Record fish more likely this season

The Master Angler Program has been recognizing trophy fish caught by Michigan anglers since 1973. Almost 20 years later, in 1992, the program added a catch and release division. Since that time, the number of catch and release entry's has been steadily on the rise while the number of catch and keep fish have declined precipit...

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By Mark Spencley

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mark Spencley

Posted Feb. 4, 2013 at 10:48 PM

By Mark Spencley

Posted Feb. 4, 2013 at 10:48 PM

By MARK SPENCLEY

mark@cheboygantribune.com

Ice fishing season may have gotten off to a slow start, but the odds of icing a trophy fish this winter are better than ever — and the process of entering one into the record books is changing.

"The last five years have proven that catching certain species of fish of larger size in Michigan has become more of an everyday occurrence," said DNR fisheries biologist Tom Goniea. "Updating the Master Angler criteria ensures that recognition goes to those who catch fish that truly are notable."

The Master Angler Program has been recognizing trophy fish caught by Michigan anglers since 1973. Almost 20 years later, in 1992, the program added a catch and release division. Since that time, the number of catch and release entry's has been steadily on the rise while the number of catch and keep fish have declined precipitously.

In 2000, 1,096 fish were entered in the catch and keep category. Ten years later only 442 catch and keep fish were entered. During the same period, the number of catch-and-release fish climbed from 801 in 2000 to 826 registered in 2010.

It's hard to say exactly how many record book fish are landed in Michigan each year. Surely the number is far greater than those registered with the Master Angler Program, though the application requirements are fairly simple.

In the "catch-and-keep" category, fish must meet or exceed certain weight requirements to be considered for Master Angler awards. The fish has to be weighed on commercial scales and verified by two witnesses. In the "catch-and-release" category, length is the only requirement fish must meet.

Anglers entering a released fish must have the length measurement verified by one witness. In either case, the fish must be positively identified by a fisheries biologist or the angler must submit a photograph with the entry.

A complete list of Master Angler fish, including where, when, how and by whom they were caught, is on the Internet at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.